Kathi Macias here, with a real treat for you--an interview with everybody's favorite online fiction magazine editor, edgy Christian fiction blogger, and now official novelist, Michelle Sutton. This lady reads more books every week than most of us have in our entire libraries, so she knows whereof she speaks--so listen up and learn what this "edgy Christian fiction" expert has to say.
Q: Michelle this is your first published book. Tell us about it.
A: It's Not About Me was actually the sequel to three other books that I have since pulled from the series. Two of them are now stand-alone titles. INAM is the fourth book of the prior six-book series but is now the first book in a three-book series. Since the last three books in the series were about young adults and young-adult issues, it made sense to pull them away and make them their own. The story is about two pastor's sons (brothers) and a young woman they both love. Through a series of tragic events, the young woman discovers that love is not what she thought. She also finds true joy and real faith in the midst of it all.
Q: For our readers who may still be anticipating the joy of that first published book, describe a bit about your feelings when you first knew the manuscript had been accepted for publication, and then how you felt when you finally held your "baby" in your hands.
A: When I first found out, I was happy but not super-thrilled because I pretty much knew about the sale for a while before I signed the actual contract. It all started feeling real to me when the mock-up covers were done. I saw them and thought, "Wow, my story is going to be in print!" That's when the enthusiasm really began. Of course, when I held the book the first time, it was like holding a newborn baby. I got the same feeling of wonder that says, "Wow, I can't believe it's really mine!"
Q: Now that the book's been out for a few weeks, tell us about your "on the job" marketing training. Any surprises--good, bad, ugly, or otherwise?
A: I started marketing this book back in December of 2007 (exactly nine months before its release) in preparation for the "birth," if you will. I had plenty lined up in regards to interviews, author appearances, radio interviews, etc. Then planning the book-signing took place about six weeks before the baby was "due"--kind of like planning a baby shower. It was loads of work but lots of fun too. The reward is great, but like childbirth, it's a bit exhausting!
Q: What are the primary methods you are using to market your book, and can you tell yet which seem to be the most successful?
A: Blog tours, book club selection, interviews, social media sites, reviews, spotlights, radio, giveaway promos, etc.--I'm using them all! The most effective so far seems to be via social media sites, believe it or not. Those folks are actually paying for the book. YAY!
Q: What unique advice do you have for first-time authors--and the rest of us as well--who want to get the most return on their marketing investment?
A: I have yet to see the number from the book club selection or the blog tours because they are both scheduled for October so they're only now beginning to be in progress. My advice is to invest in yourself if you want to see this "thing" called being an author work. You have more to gain than you will lose if word gets out about your book and people discover you. You will develop a following, and that is what will keep your career/ministry going--that and God's will, of course!
ACFW Volunteer Officer voloff@acfw.com
https://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com
http://www.michellesutton.net
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com
